Try publishing short stories online

Most online short story publishing venues either don't pay or pay a small amount for short stories. However, it is an excellent way to gain some credits if you're just beginning to find a short story book publisher for your collection. Be wary of sites that publish everything that is submitted. Most editors don't look at that as a legitimate short story publishing credit since there were no editorial decisions regarding worthiness for publication.

I recommend: The Cafe Irreal and Sundress Publications are well known online short fiction publishers. To find other online magazines that are short story publishers, check out Every Writer's Resource, which lists online magazines along with reviews and links to the websites.

Submit to magazine short story publishers

Many magazines publish short stories on a monthly basis. Some pay well, and they are the most difficult to get into. The ones that don't pay as much are usually smaller and have a lesser circulation, but the odds of getting your story published is more likely.

I recommend: Cemetery Dance magazine is a good venue for short horror stories. Glimmer Train Press and ByLine magazine also accept short fiction, and have various literary contests.

Send your manuscript to short fiction publishers

Most larger publishing houses do not publish short fiction; however, independent publishers print anthologies and collections from the same author. Editors place ads for anthology submissions in literary magazines and online, and many colleges publish anthologies. If you've got a collection that is enough to fill a book, consider submitting it to independent short story book publishers.

I recommend: Independent publishers, such as Peppertree Press or Algonquin Books may be good places to send queries about your manuscript. The Market List also has listings for anthology submissions.

Consider self-publishing

If you are unable to find publishers for your short stories, consider becoming your own publisher. You have total control over the finished product. But the down side to this is that you will be responsible for hiring an editor, artist for the cover art, and a printer. Then you will be responsible for the distribution and order fulfillment. However, the upside is you cut out the middle man, and your profit margin is greater. You have two options here, you can be your own publisher and purchase your own International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or you could use a vanity press.

I recommend: Hire an editor to ensure that your manuscript is clean. You can place ads on Guru or Journalism Jobs. Your local college English professor could be a good alternative. If you decide to become your own publisher, buy your ISBNs at Bowker. If you want to use a vanity press, try Author House or Vantage Press.